‘They will eat him raw’: Manchester United star warned on PSV return

Former coach Aad de Mos reckons the 21-year-old, along with Daley Blind and Chris Smalling, will be the subject of special attention from the Eredivisie outfit. The Dutch both played for the club before moving to Old Trafford over the last two summers.

“Depay is not going to get one bit of joy out of his return to Holland,” said de Mos, “Santiago Arias, the Mexican international defender who knows him inside out, is going to eat him raw. Honestly, I am 100 percent sure that Arias will wipe him out.

“And if Daley Blind thinks he can come and enjoy a bit of freedom, or dominate the game again, then he will soon realise all the PSV players are going to be after him. They will not leave him alone.”

He added: “Smalling is regarded as a great defender, but he isn’t the best on the ball. PSV have worked it out, they are going to let Smalling have the ball all the time. They know he is limited in his ideas.”

The Red Devils face PSV on Tuesday, just three days after their 3-1 win over Liverpool. With games coming thick and fast, some rotation will be expected, which could mean that the trio mentioned don’t even play in the group stage encounter.

However, if they do, then Depay will be under pressure to perform. The forward scored 22 goals last season, inspiring Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title. This time round he has scored two against Club Brugge, but so far failed to make an impact in the Premier League. After being hyped up in the summer, many will be hoping the Netherlands international hits his straps soon.